HC Deb 01 April 1935 vol 300 cc7-8
18. Mr. HEPWORTH

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the price of Japanese bicycles imported into India at the present time as compared with the corresponding British product?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

The approximate wholesale price in India of Japanese bicycles assembled in India to-day is 22s. each. The cheapest United Kingdom bicycle of standard type, also assembled in India, sells wholesale at slightly under £2. As a result of its superior quality, the United Kingdom product, which enjoys a 10 per cent. ad valorem preference on importation, was responsible for 65 per cent. of the value of India's imports of cycles, parts and accessories in the year 1932–33 and for 71 per cent. in the following year. In these two years the Japanese share of the trade was 23¾ per cent. and 20 per cent. respectively.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that British bicycles are not corresponding, but superior?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I said "of superior quality."

19. Mr. MOREING (for Mr. CHORLTON)

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the efforts being made by the bureau of roads in China and the inter-provincial traffic commission to encourage the use of bicycles on the many new roads now being constructed throughout that country; and whether he will direct the attention of British manufacturers to the possibility of an expanding market for bicycles in China?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I am aware of the recent development of road building in China. The Department of Overseas Trade has recently arranged for the Commercial Counsellor in China, who is at present in this country, to make a series of tours to industrial centres and he has seen most of the leading manufacturers interested in the cycle trade in China.